Ahmadiyya Khilafat

The Holy Prophet (sa) not only prophesied the advent of Islam’s Promised Messiah but he also prophesied that he would be succeeded by the institution of Khilafat (Succession). The Holy Prophet stated:

“Prophethood shall remain amongst you for as long as Allah wills. He will then cause it to end. Then Khilafat (succession) will be established in the footsteps of prophethood which will last for as long as Allah wills…Then Khilafat will be re-established in the footsteps of prophethood.” (Musnad Ahmad Ben Hanbal Vol 4, page 273)

According to the above statement, the Muslim world would regain Khilafat and retain it until the end of time.

Since the passing away of the Promised Messiah (as) in 1908, the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community has been blessed with an unbroken chain of Khulafa (Successors). The present Khalifa (Successor) of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community is Hadhrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad (may Allah support him!), the 5th Khalifa after the Promised Messiah.

The Khalifa and his relationship with the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community is unparalleled in the world and in the history of religion. Upon the divine election of each Khalifa, each and every member of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community pledges his or her allegiance to him, dedicating their lives to the service of his mission and the mission of the Promised Messiah (as). As the Khalifa has been divinely-appointed by Allah himself, each Ahmadi Muslim looks to him for spiritual guidance and authority, and the love that they feel for him is even greater than the love they possess for their most precious and dearest family members and other loved ones.

(sa) stands for a salutation in Arabic for the meaning “Peace and Blessings of Allah be upon him!”
(as) stands for prophets of God meaning “Peace be upon him”